Bill to strip police powers from NJSPCA passes Assembly

January 9, 2018

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey lawmakers have passed a bill that will strip police powers from the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals after reports alleging widespread dysfunction.

The state Assembly voted 63 to zero with four abstentions to turn over enforcement of animal cruelty laws to local police and prosecutors, a measure previously approved by the Senate. NJ.com reports the bill now heads to Republican Gov. Chris Christie’s desk.

The NJSPCA is a nonprofit organization granted police powers to investigate animal abuse in New Jersey, but faced criticism following a scathing October report that alleged the agency is run by “wannabe cops” who waste money and abuse power.

A spokesman for the NJSCPA says the group’s leaders are urging Christie to veto the bill.